ISLAMABAD: US Senator Dianne Feinstein has stressed the need for continued cooperation between Pakistan and the US to deal with the emerging threat of Daesh or the self-styled Islamic State (IS) militant organisation.

Continuing his intense engagements on the Capitol Hill, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, yesterday, held separate meetings with Senators Dianne Feinstein of California and Robert Casey from Pennsylvania, according to a statement by Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah.

During the meeting between Senator Feinstein, who is a senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Syed Tariq Fatemi, the two sides reviewed the state of play in the relationship with special focus on defence and intelligence cooperation between the respective authorities and expressed satisfaction on the growing momentum in this vital cooperation.

Mr Fatemi shared the recent achievements in Pakistan's fight against terrorism following the ongoing military operations in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), which has entered a critical phase.

SAPM explained that due to the successful operations of the Pakistani security forces, militants' command and control infrastructure had been completely destroyed.

He stressed that these operations had significantly diminished the ability of terrorists to plan and conduct attacks inside Pakistan or across the border.

Mr Fatemi informed the Senator that arrangements were being made to completely secure the Pakistani territory from militants' through holding the gains in Fata and establishing the civilian set up in the area.

The Senator was also informed about the plans to rehabilitate the dislocated people from Waziristan.

Senator Feinstein noted Pakistan's efforts to eliminate terrorism and stabilise the region.

Read: US lauds PM Nawaz's outreach to India, Afghanistan

Assuring Mr Fatemi of US support for enhancing Pakistan's counter-terrorism capabilities. the Senator stressed the need for continued cooperation between Pakistan and the US to deal with the emerging threat of IS.

In the meeting between Tariq Fatemi and US Senator Robert Casey, who is a senior member of the Committee on Finance as well as the Joint Economic Committee, the two sides discussed the recent developments in the bilateral relationship and other issues of mutual interest.

Senator Casey noted the steps taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to reach out to Pakistan's neighbours, as well reviving the economy.

Lauding the commitment of the government and people of Pakistan to eliminate terrorism, Senator Casey praised Pakistan's positive role in facilitating the reconciliation process for stability in Afghanistan.

Also read: US notes Pakistan’s role in Afghan reconciliation

Senator Casey assured the SAPM of working closely with Pakistan to deepen the economic and trade relations between the two counties and to build a mutually beneficial partnership.

Commander US Forces Afghanistan meets Gen Raheel

General John F. Campbell, Commander Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces – Afghanistan called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi today.

Matters related to security and situation along the Pak-Afghan border were discussed. Delegation level talks were also held with a focus on further improving the border coordination mechanism.

“During the meeting General Campbell acknowledged Pakistan’s sincere efforts and those of General Sharif in combating terrorism and facilitating the recently held Murree peace talks,” said Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Asim Bajwa.

General Campbell also appreciated the gains made during Operation Zarb-e-Azab. He said the army operation has greatly contributed towards bringing peace and stability in the region.